Please attribute to Brimbank Mayor, Cr Ranka Rasic
Today (29 May 2024) I received a letter from the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Melissa Horne MP, in relation to governance matters at Brimbank Council, following an interim report from the Municipal Monitors.
Municipal Monitors were appointed to Brimbank City Council on 12 February 2024 to 31 December 2024, and have been working closely with Councillors and the Executive Leadership Team.
The letter outlines the Minister’s concerns in relation to:
- failures to give effect to the overarching governance principles in section 9(2) of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act)
- failures to take into account the supporting principles in section 9 (3) of the Act
- failures by councillors to perform their role in accordance with section 28 of the Act
- behaviour that may be inconsistent with the Standards of Conduct in the Council’s Councillor Code of Conduct.
The concerns raised are being taken seriously by Council.
The Minister has asked for Council to provide a response by 30 June 2024, on the action that will be taken to address and remedy these concerns.
It is essential for all Councillors to understand their obligations and duties under the Local Government Act 2020 and serve in the best interest of the Brimbank community.
It is important that our community has confidence in the governance of Council by elected representatives.
I will continue to encourage Brimbank Councillors to actively engage with the municipal monitors and comply with the Act and Standards of Conduct. I look forward to working with Councillors and the Monitors to advance agreed plans towards good governance.